When PL you say
In case you and FL are wondering, this was meant to be a direct shot a Judaism, which John later refers to as a "synagougue of Satan" (Rev. 2:9). If you want, you may accuse John of being an hateful, antisemite, who wants to destroy the progress made with the 8,000 Jewish converts in Acts. The only problem with that theory is that John was Jewish (as was Paul).
First of all we should not be here to "take shots at Judaism" . John and Paul being Jewish is not the problem, its what allows them to say what they did.
Now lets look at Revelation 2:9
"I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Who is the synagogue of Satan? All Jews? "those who say they are Jews and they are not"
" those who say they are Jews and they are not" Therefore those who say they are Jews and are Jews are not a synagogue of Satan. Those who are Jewish in their hearts and "works". "I know your works" and therefore if the works are good accordingly to the Jewish faith then one is Jewish in their hearts and therefore not of Satan.
Now as far as 1 John 2:22-23, read it in context of the whole chapter.
It does not read as being
this was meant to be a direct shot a Judaism
It was meant to all who reject Christ and yes it applies to Jews and Romans and Greeks and all non-christians.
And my goal would not be to "convert" him. That, I am completely incapable of doing.
With God all things are possible. Does not the bible tell us to contend for the faith? Yet as a Calvin you believe that their salvation is predestined.
I do not.
Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Scripture is the only way we get to know God (contrary to mush of the teaching on Christian TV). The important thing isn't how we feel about something, nor if a teaching is popular or not.
This maybe should be a separate topic. The whole thing of how traditional churches are shrinking and evangelical worship is growing like wildfire.
Traditional churches are not doing such a good job of saving souls.
However, this so called "mush on Christian TV" is drawing thousands.
I realize that its entertainment and contains a feel good message.
"God is Love"!!
To say that how we feel about something is not important denies what it means to be human and the acceptance of Jesus and the Holy Spirit into our hearts. I agree, reading and studying scripture is important.
Most Christian TV tells you to "read your bible" "read your Bible, check up on me, just don't take my word for it".
So I agree to just watch Christian TV is not enough. However, it has its place in God's plan. Watch James Robison, is that just mush ? Maybe what they feed them poor children looks like mush, but this is the meat of God's word. Or do you deny some of the most important words Jesus spoke?!
Michael
Thomas